coderz wrote:
Hopefully I'm making the right hobbyist beginner's choice. I decided to order the Jet 9000b with depth and space keys for major brands like Kwikset and Schlage. It seems like a refined step up for manual models from the Foley where I can spend the extra 200 to 300 but I don't want to spend 2,000. It's 500 dollars but this is still only 1/4th of the price of the HPC Blitz. The HPC blitz is really cool, and when I have more money that I want to blow I could see myself buying it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but like you were saying, having a multiple machines like a manual and the HPC Blitz would be even better?
I'm assuming these key machines hold their value pretty well too? I could probably sell it in a couple years for 300 or something and upgrade to the Blitz then? Hopefully I won't regret my choice, as the Jet 9000b at this point seems like a good manual starter machine for basic keys.
Having multiple machines can certainly come in handy, it really depends what your goals are.
The Blitz removes the need for having code knowledge or books, as long as you have the requisite code cards. There are also micrometer cards available for the Blitz. If you want to duplicate an existing key with the Blitz, you'll first have to decode the key in question, as the Blitz has no built-in function for duplicating, nor does it's predecessor the Code-A-Key by HPC. Now, the HPC Switch Blitz can both duplicate and originate, thus it's name. The code cards are interchangeable, and the Switch Blitz isn't all that much more than the Blitz. If you are in fact planning to invest in a Blitz down the road, I would personally spend a little more and get the Switch Blitz.
If you don't mind manual code cutters but wanted a higher dollar machine (again, down the line a bit), you could also check out Framon key machines - they're bulletproof. You can cut 1,000 keys by code on those, drop it off the back of a parked truck, and cut 1,000 more without ever re-calibrating it, and it'll still be accurate.
Rytan makes very nice machines, and the RY100 is a very nice little duplicator.
Lots of options, as I said, it all depends on your goals and needs.
I have no personal experience with Jet machines, but I just watched a couple videos about your 9000b, looks like a nice machine, you'll have to let us know how you like it once you've used it a bit.
Oh, and yes, key machines hold their value pretty well, so as long as you take good care of it, you shouldn't have any issues re-selling it for a good price. Hey, if you decide to, shoot me a message, I might take it off your hands, lol.
Good luck! =)